Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has been arrested in connection with an alleged R25 million extortion case linked to the mining sector.
Sibanyoni was arrested during the early hours of Tuesday in a coordinated operation involving members of the South African Police Service’s organised crime unit and the Special Task Force. Two additional suspects were also taken into custody during the operation, while police continue searching for a fourth suspect allegedly linked to the case.
According to police, the arrests stem from an extortion case opened in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, during 2025. Authorities allege that a businessman operating within the mining industry reported being threatened and extorted over an extended period. The complainant allegedly claimed that demands made by the suspects amounted to as much as R25 million.
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrests, while investigations into the matter remain ongoing. Police indicated that additional charges could still be added as investigators continue gathering evidence.
Sibanyoni is currently being held at a police station in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, after reportedly being arrested at his residence in Centurion, Gauteng, before being transported to the province.
The accused are expected to appear before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges relating to extortion.
Sibanyoni is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Mpumalanga taxi industry. Reports indicate he began operating in the taxi sector in the 1980s before expanding into a large transport business that allegedly includes taxi fleets, buses, logistics operations, property investments, construction interests and mining-related businesses.
Known widely by the nickname “Ferrari”, Sibanyoni has frequently drawn public attention because of his association with luxury vehicles and his prominence within the taxi industry. He has reportedly held leadership positions within taxi organisations including the South African National Taxi Council and the South African Black Taxi Association.
His name has repeatedly surfaced in investigations and testimony linked to allegations of taxi violence, organised crime and underworld networks. Sibanyoni was previously mentioned during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, where testimony examined alleged links between organised criminal networks, the taxi industry and certain law enforcement officials.
He has also been linked in reports to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose name has appeared in several criminal investigations.
In August 2022, Sibanyoni survived an attempted shooting near Centurion Golf Estate. Investigators later linked a white BMW to the attempted hit after forensic evidence allegedly connected the vehicle to the crime scene. The attempted murder investigation has remained active, with several suspects and alleged underworld figures appearing before court in relation to the matter.
Despite repeated allegations raised during commission testimony and criminal investigations over recent years, Sibanyoni has not been convicted in relation to those allegations.
Tuesday’s arrests have again placed focus on allegations of extortion and criminal activity connected to parts of the taxi and mining sectors in Mpumalanga. Authorities say the investigation is continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
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